Ron spent some time emphasizing the significance of an accurate midline. So, after some spokeshave practice, The HURON CRUISER began its construction with a centre line carefully scribed on the stems.

The stems have to be shaped at each end of the canoe to receive the planking. Here I'm checking for the correct angle with a "Fairing Strip".

Nailing the first (bottom) strip to the mold. (All others will be stapled.) The strip at the top of the picture is only temporary - to hold the station molds secure

After fastening each strip the excess glue is wiped off.

Cleaning the glue from the inside as we go. Ron says this will save a lot of work later.

Here I am inserting a design inlay. This is a customizing feature that will show on both the inside and outside of the canoe.

Another shot of the design inlay with temporary "pressure strips".

Using the "fairing strip" again at the stern to determine the exact angle of cut on the inner stems

A nice view of the "design inlay" strips.

Starting to take shape. I love the lines of this boat!

I now have to shape the remainder of the stem piece to receive the rest of the planking. Here I'm once again using the 'fairing strip' to determine the correct angle.

Up until now, we've fastened strips to both sides of the canoe. At this point, I will only be doing one side, and the strips will begin to overlap. They will be trimmed later to the centre line.

Glue. Wipe. Glue. Wipe. It's all coming together - one strip at a time!

Although I am only fastening strips to one side, I have to select a matching piece for the opposite side. It is measured, numbered and put aside until later.

Piece by piece!

One side almost complete. You can see how these strips project past the centre line. They'll be cut later.

Attaching the 'hanging strips'. These are short pieces that form the sheer lines at the bow and stern.

With some help and instruction from George, Ron's assistant, I'm drawing the centre line for cutting.